Confusion is an inability to think logically.Confusion can develop over a period of time and can result in feeling lost or confused, unable to remember, and incapable of making decisions.There are numerous medical reasons why a person may experience confusion, some of which are permanent (such as dementia), though often times it's simply a temporary problem that goes away after a brief period or a lapse in memory associated with aging.It's important to seek the help of a medical professional if you suddenly find yourself confused.
Step 1: If you want to keep your brain stimulated, learn a new skill or challenge it.
If you don't use your cognitive abilities and practice them frequently, you will eventually lose those abilities.If you can't pick up something new, there are simpler ways to strengthen your cognitive abilities, like doing a word puzzle or taking an alternate route.Other ways to use your cognitive abilities include reading, joining a book club, playing chess, or taking classes to learn something new.
Step 2: To promote long-term memory, be socially active.
When people are alone for long periods of time, they become prone to depression, stress, and anxiety, which can lead to confusion and memory loss over time.Spending time with other people is a good way to ward off confusion.Being around others encourages you to recall past events and process current events to carry on a conversation, which is a great way to stay mentally sharp while also enjoying other people's company.When dealing with confusion in elderly people, having great social support is important.Spending time with friends, relatives, or strangers is possible through volunteer work.Don't let yourself be isolated.Stay in touch with your surroundings.
Step 3: It's easy to access important information if you write it down.
When you're at the store, write down appointments, chores, and things you need to pick up.Carry that list with you wherever you go and check it on a daily basis.Try to keep your lists on your phone.Journaling can help you keep track of your day-to-day life and obligations.
Step 4: Pick a place where you can find items every day.
You should keep your wallet, keys, and mobile phone in the same place in your home every day.Before you leave the house, you should always look for the things you need.If you organize your environment it will help you avoid confusion and strengthen your memory and thinking skills.You can start small if you're not hyper-organized.Studies show that taking the guesswork out of day-to-day chores and events can help you focus and concentrate more on learning new things.
Step 5: Make it easier to navigate by tidying up your home.
It is possible to make it easier to find things and accomplish tasks by tidying up your home.If you no longer need them, throw the old papers, notes, and to-do lists away.If you are overwhelmed by the process, ask your friends or family to help.
Step 6: All of your senses can be used to better your brain.
It is possible to retain memories and learning abilities if you use more than one sense when learning.Studies show that if you only experience something with one sense, you are less likely to remember or retain information.It's possible to challenge your senses in little ways every day.You should notice the smell before and after you try a dish at a restaurant.If you want to improve your cognitive abilities, challenge yourself to identify certain ingredients or read a book while you enjoy the smells and tastes of an unfamiliar dish.
Step 7: Stick with a routine for improved memory and cognitive benefits.
It is possible to have a routine that will help with memory and cognitive ability.Your brain has an easier time making connections when you keep a routine.A regular day-to-day routine may help reduce the effects of confusion and memory loss over time.Making sure you get up and go to bed at the same time each day can help improve your sleep and overall health.
Step 8: The connections in your brain can be strengthened using mnemonic devices.
You can make your own mnemonic devices to help you remember things from your daily life.Take the first letter of each word and write out the steps you need to do, then put it in a related word or phrase.The musical notes E, G, B, D, and F are easily remembered with the sentence, "every good boy does fine."Creating and using mnemonic devices help strengthen your memory and thinking abilities.Finding ways to remember the steps of a process may help free up your memory.
Step 9: Dehydration can cause confusion so stay hydrated.
Dehydration is a common cause of confusion.Dehydration happens when your body loses more water than you consume.A sign of severe dehydration is confusion caused by dehydration.Water or sports drinks can help treat dehydration.For more severe cases, a medical professional may be needed.
Step 10: To avoid confusion, follow a healthy diet.
Improving one's diet can help prevent confusion.It's important to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean, low-fat sources like fish, skinless poultry and tofu.Don't drink alcohol.Alcohol contributes to confusion and/or memory loss.After people stop drinking, this can happen.B12 and Folate are believed to help protect the nervous system, so make sure you get enough of them in your diet.Ginkgo biloba can help improve memory and cognitive abilities.Before you start taking supplements, talk to your doctor.
Step 11: To avoid sleep deprivation, get 8 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep helps strengthen and solidify memories in our brains, as it is an important part of cognitive ability.Feelings of confusion and uncertainty can be caused by being sleep deprived.Good sleep hygiene is practiced.Take a shower, listen to soothing music and create a pre-bedtime routine.Stick to a sleep schedule.Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.It's important to make sure you are well rested.
Step 12: Blood flow to the brain can be improved by being active.
Increased blood flow to the brain may help keep your cognitive abilities at their best.The Department of Health and Human Services has a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.For a total of at least 40 minutes, you need to include 2 to 3 days of strength training each week.Moderate aerobic exercise may involve walking briskly.
Step 13: If your blood pressure is high, you should work with your doctor to lower it.
If you have high blood pressure, it can cause problems with your cognitive abilities.It can result in a stroke, dementia, or a Transient ischemic attack.Follow your doctor's recommendations if you have high blood pressure.Take the medicine your doctor told you to if you've been prescribed it.If you aren't currently on medication, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your blood pressure, such as weight loss or diet changes.
Step 14: It's a good idea to introduce yourself to the person.
If you have known a confused person for a long time, you should always introduce yourself to them.If someone perceived as a stranger suddenly approaches without warning, many people suffering from confusion will become frightened, which may lead to violent behavior.Let the person know how you know each other by saying your name.Speak slowly and approach the person with care.
Step 15: The individual should be offered different reminders.
Sometimes small reminders can help a confused person remember where they are.People get confused about the time, day, or year.If someone you know is confused, try to remind them where they are.Put a calendar and clock near the individual so that they can keep an eye on the time and date.Discussing current events, recent events and any plans for the day.
Step 16: Reduce fear and anxiety by creating a relaxing environment.
Some people who experience confusion experience fear and anxiety.Keeping the individual's environment quiet, calm, and relaxing is one way to help combat this.Things that might be upsetting or traumatic should be removed from the person's immediate area.You don't necessarily need to get rid of these things, but "hiding" them until the confused person feels better may help to put them at ease."sundowning" is something to be aware of.People with dementia are more confused and depressed at the end of the day.If you think a person is suffering from sundowning, talk to their doctor.Suggestions for therapy or medication can help.Try not to close the windows during the day.The patient may be kept awake and alert.
Step 17: Provide a low blood sugar snack.
Diabetes medications are a common cause of confusion caused by low blood sugar.You might want to give the individual a small snack or beverage.They can think better if they control their blood sugar.Someone who is confused because of low blood sugar will appreciate a glass of juice.A cookie or some pretzels can help.People with low blood sugar may need to take tablets of sugar.If possible, know the individual's preferred treatment plan in advance in order to help them recover from their confusion.
Step 18: If the confusion is sudden, you should seek medical help.
If there is no previous history of this symptom, or if the symptom begins to affect day-to-day life, call a doctor immediately.Your doctor may order a variety of tests, including blood, urine, and brain scans.The individual may need to go to the emergency room.If you or someone you know experiences confusion or any of the other symptoms, call an emergency responders.
Step 19: The causes of confusion can be identified.
Medical problems can cause confusion.The underlying cause may affect how you treat confusion.Intoxication, brain tumors, head trauma, and concussion are some of the common health problems that may lead to confusion.